The Japanese were on the other side of the world from the Italians and Germans, whereas all the Allied countries were not 'isolated' from each other, which makes it much easier to coordinate.

I think had the Italians taken the Suez, and with control of Morocco, they could effectively bottle the Med. Sea and inflict severe damage with minimal loss on anyone trying to come through Gibraltar. With the Suez under control, I think India would be in real danger (at least its supply routes) since the British would be very stretched having to travel around the cape of Africa to head that way. I think with Mid-Eastern oil secured for the Axis (ie. Iraq and that area) it'd be very possible to start supplying Japane, even with metals.

__________________